Paddle Doll

This “paddle doll” was found in the debris filling a tomb courtyard along with four similar figures and additional material including funerary cones and statuette fragments. (Material from this assemblage can be viewed here.) The figure has a distinctive keyhole-shaped torso, no legs, and a rudimentary head and right arm; the left arm is missing. Three painted bracelets adorn the right arm, nipples are painted on the chest, and a broad collar is shown around the neck. A garment with geometric patterning covers the lower part of the body above a large pubic triangle. The figure’s “hair” was restrung from beads found loose in the debris with the assemblage.  

Paddle dolls were popular in the Middle Kingdom, especially during Dynasties 11 and 12 (ca. 2030–1802 B.C.). Most paddle dolls – including this one and others in the Museum's collection – come from an area in the Theban necropolis around the mortuary temples of Mentuhotep II and Hatshepsut. Only a few examples of paddle dolls come from other sites.

“Paddle doll” is the Egyptological name for this type of female figure. They were not toys but instead are believed to have been objects used in ritual settings. The shape of their bodies echoes the counterpoises of menat necklaces – percussive instruments used in ceremonies associated with the goddess Hathor. When shaken, the beads of the menat would produce a soothing noise meant to summon or placate the deity. The beaded hair attached to paddle dolls furthers their resemblance to menats, however it is unclear whether they were actually used as instruments. It has also been suggested that paddle dolls were representations of female khener dancers, who invoked Hathor and revived the king through sexually arousing performances. Paddle dolls might have been included in funerary assemblages to take the part of khener dancers and aid in the rebirth of the deceased.